The Rugby Football Union council will today consider a call from its members to end the deadlock over the Heineken Cup and meet the demands of England's leading clubs for a share in control of the competition.

The move, which could see the RFU council oppose its own executive, comes after more than half the councillors agreed to table a resolution calling for 50% of the RFU's shares in the competition to be handed to Premier Rugby. A simple majority of councillors is required for a resolution to be tabled, indicating that the motion has a chance of success.

Premier Rugby will take heart from the fact that councillors have moved to end the impasse despite only one, Peter Wheeler of Leicester, representing the professional game. Should the resolution be passed it could pave the way for leading English clubs, who have dominated this year's competition, to return.

The Heineken Cup has been in meltdown since French clubs announced a boycott demanding their union give them voting rights. The English followed suit and have maintained that they will consider rejoining only if the RFU agrees to hand over half of the shares in the company. English and French clubs claim it is unfair that they play the games but have no power over the programme or commercial aspects. Despite being the most popular and competitive competition in Europe it is less profitable than the Premiership and domestic cup rugby.